Sonny's BBQ Seed Oil Report Card
Based on our menu research, Sonny's BBQ cooks with: Smoked meats in pork/beef fat; fried sides in soybean oil; mayo-based sides contain soybean oil. Across the 86 menu items we analyzed, it averages 4.8g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
Safest Orders at Sonny's BBQ
Learn this once: a salad with grilled protein and the dressing left off is nearly always the lowest seed oil order anywhere. So the list below sticks to real meals, salads included, never just a water.
Cleanest full order: Sliced Turkey Plate + Unsweet Tea, 2.0g total
| Item | PUFA |
|---|---|
| Baked Sweet Potato | 1.0g |
| Sliced Turkey Plate | 2.0g |
| Homestyle Banana Pudding | 2.0g |
| Burger Patty Only (No Bun) | 2.0g |
| Smoked Chicken Plate | 3.0g |
What to Avoid at Sonny's BBQ
| Item | PUFA |
|---|---|
| Tenders 5 pc | 14.0g |
| Onion Rings | 13.0g |
| Golden BBQ Chicken Tender Sandwich | 12.0g |
| Smoked Wings 10 pc | 12.0g |
| BBQ Family Feast | 12.0g |
Frequently asked
Does Sonny's BBQ use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, Sonny's BBQ cooks with: Smoked meats in pork/beef fat; fried sides in soybean oil; mayo-based sides contain soybean oil. Across the 86 menu items we analyzed, it averages 4.8g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
What oil does Sonny's BBQ cook with?
Our research indicates: Smoked meats in pork/beef fat; fried sides in soybean oil; mayo-based sides contain soybean oil. Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
Does Sonny's BBQ use beef tallow?
Yes, at least for some items. Our research indicates: Smoked meats in pork/beef fat; fried sides in soybean oil; mayo-based sides contain soybean oil. Beef tallow is far lower in PUFA than seed oils.
Is Sonny's BBQ seed oil free?
No. Our research indicates Sonny's BBQ cooks with Smoked meats in pork/beef fat; fried sides in soybean oil; mayo-based sides contain soybean oil, which includes seed oils. See the lower-PUFA orders above for the cleanest picks.
What is the safest thing to order at Sonny's BBQ?
Baked Sweet Potato is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at Sonny's BBQ, at an estimated 1.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at Sonny's BBQ?
Tenders 5 pc is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at Sonny's BBQ, at an estimated 14.0g PUFA. Fried items and creamy, mayo-based sauces are usually the heaviest.
What are seed oils?
Seed oils — canola, soybean, sunflower, corn, and similar vegetable oils — are extracted from seeds using high heat and chemical solvents. They are very high in polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs), which are unstable at cooking temperatures and can oxidize easily. Many health-conscious eaters choose to minimize seed oils and prefer foods cooked in beef tallow, butter, coconut oil, or olive oil instead. This page shows estimated PUFA grams per menu item to help you make more informed choices. These are estimates — actual values vary by preparation and location. Curious why people avoid them? Read the evidence.
Compare other chains
Snappy Tomato Pizza · Snooze A.M. Eatery · Sonic · Soulman's Bar-B-Que · Spring Creek Barbeque · Starbird Chicken
See where Sonny's BBQ lands on the full Seed Oil Index, or check which chains cook in real fats on Tallow Watch. Wondering about a specific dish instead? The Is It Seed Oil food guide answers it for 200+ everyday foods, and the distributor oils page covers what independent restaurants fry in.